Digital Motion Graphics and Animated Media in Health Communication: A Systematic Review of Strategies for Sexual...

Background: The influence of digital media on public perception of sexual health is significant and relates to its effects on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Motion graphics and animation represent a novel innovation in health-related communication. The visual attractiveness and adaptability to cultural issues offer an alternative means of conveying often sensitive issues. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of their efficacy in delivering sexual health messages and to identify the components contributing to success. Methods: A literature search was conducted using Scopus, MEDLINE (via PubMed), and DOAJ, covering studies from inception to 31 August 2025. All eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and other evaluations, which were synthesized by outcomes related to knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, intentions, and/or psychosocial well-being. The study was pre-registered on the INPLASY platform (INPLASY202580073). Results: Eleven studies published between the years 1989 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. The majority reported improvements in sexual health knowledge and attitudes, and several studies also demonstrated improved behaviors and psychosocial well-being. Factors that contributed to interventions that have been successful were cultural adaptation, being based on theory, and presentation over time. Conclusions: Motion graphics and animation, therefore, represent an exciting means of sexual health promotion and stigma reduction. Future studies should therefore focus on the determination of standardized formats for media presentations, the evaluation of long-term effects, and the evaluation of cost-benefit to enhance the effectiveness of media communication in health promotion.